8 Awesome Yoga Poses For A Strong Core You Can Do Right Now

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Yoga is all about relaxation techniques! But it doesn’t mean you can’t get physical benefits from yoga!

Although yoga is mainly performed by many for its positive impact on their mental wellbeing — easing stress and relieving anxiety, its beneficial effects to your health extend even to your physical body. Yoga aids in detoxifying your body, improving your posture, relieving aches and pain, strengthening your core and back, and even tones your abs.

Yes, you read it right! If you’re looking for extra core work, yoga is the perfect fit for your routine! The core is key to controlling your balance and maintaining different yoga poses. As you go, you’ll feel your core getting stronger and therefore holding the poses longer with ease.

To get you started, here are wonderful yoga asanas that work your abs to help you develop a more toned and fit tummy! Remember to use core strength to hold the poses!

1. Plank Pose

To perform this pose:

Get down into the push-up position with arms shoulder-distance apart and under the shoulders.

Engage your core muscles, making sure your butt stays lifted and in line with the body throughout the pose.

Hold the pose for 30 seconds or longer.

2. Side Plank Pose

To perform this pose:

Start on a high plank position with feet extended and wrists under your shoulders.

Press feet together, then roll into the right side, shifting your weight on the outside of the right foot. Stack your left foot over the right.

With your legs straight, use your core to balance yourself. Slowly lift your left arm and gaze toward the ceiling.

Hold the pose for 30 seconds or longer. Repeat on the other side.

3. Reverse Plank Pose

To perform this pose:

Lie on your back with feet extended, arms a little bent, and hands just a few inches above the hips. Make sure your palms are against the floor, fingers pointing toward your feet.

Push through your hands and feet to lift yourself up off the mat until your back is parallel to the ground.

Engage your core, and hold the pose for 30 seconds or longer.

4. Fish Pose

To perform this pose:

Lie on your back with knees bent, feet against the mat, and arms by the sides.

Raise your hips, then slide your hands underneath the butt. Your butt should be connected to your hands during the entire pose.

Engaging your core, press through your elbows and shoulders to lift your chest. Keep the top or back of your head on the floor.

Hold the pose for 30 seconds or longer.

5. Cobra Pose

To do this pose:

Lie on a mat with your face down and arms bent with elbows above the hips.

Gently lift your head and chest as high as you can with your core rather than the arms.

Keep your arms light beside you, using them as little as possible.

Hold the pose for 30 seconds or longer.

6. Full Boat Pose

To perform this pose:

Sit on a mat with legs extended out in front of you and hands a little behind the hips.

Once steady, gently reach your arms to the outside of the knees without touching them.

Hold the pose for 30 seconds or longer.

7. Extended Triangle Pose

To perform this pose:

Stand with feet hip-distance apart and arms by the sides.

Step your right foot so that your feet are 3 to 4 feet apart, and come into a low lunge. Your right thigh should be parallel to the floor with the right foot slightly out, while the left leg is extended straight.

Reach your right arm down on the inside of the right leg. If you can’t reach the floor, a yoga block can help. Extend your left arm toward the ceiling following the straight line your left leg and body form.

Place your gaze on your left hand and hold the pose for 30 seconds or longer. Repeat on the other side.

8. Crow Pose

To perform this pose:

Begin in the garland pose, a seated squat pose with arms on the insides of the legs.

Rest your hands firmly on the floor, and place your knees on the outside of the elbows. If you’re an advanced yogi, place them close to the armpits.

Slowly lean yourself forward, shifting your weight on your arms.

Engage your core, and hold the pose for 30 seconds or longer.

There are many yoga poses that build the strength of the core and helps tone the abs, but these are considered the best! Incorporate these asanas into your yoga routine, and you can also make them a substitute for your workout routine during times when you don’t feel like lifting weights or doing exercises.

Which pose is your favorite so far? Share with us how you build a stronger core in the comments below.

About The Author

Hi! I'm Shiela, "little fingers hoping to change the world". I'm here to write some cool stuff about my journey as a human being. In boring days, I either hit the gym or stay in bed. I enjoy (very) short walks and discussions about travel, music, and fitness.